The Tasman Peninsula area really starts in the little town of Dunalley, about 45 minutes' drive from Hobart. From Hobart, you head out on the A3 Highway, crossing the Derwent River and continuing on to Sorell. Here, you turn south to join Highway A9, which takes you all the way through Dunalley to Port Arthur Historic Site. The road is mostly two-lane and you travel through open countryside interspersed with eucalypt forests and views over Frederick Henry Bay.

Various private bus companies run services to the Tasman Penisula, from Hobart, and there is no public transport. Most of the the major national and international car rental companies have representatives in Hobart, so you can easily rent a car.

Port Arthur Historic Site:
This historic site is one of Tasmania's main attractions. There is a visitor centre there and a big carpark. Cars are not allowed in Port Arthur itself, so park in the visitor center carpark before entering the visitor centre to pay entrance fees to Port Arthur. Walking tours are available daily, or you can choose to go free and easy. Port Arthur's Historic Ghost Tours are not to be missed.

One site entry pass is valid for 2 days and includes:

Introductory guided walking tour

Harbour cruise

Interpretation gallery

Access to more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored houses on the site.

Tasman Island Cruises, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, ☎(03) 6250 2200 (info@tasmancruises.com.au), [2]. Tasman Island Cruises operates 3 hour eco-cruises to Tasman Island from Port Arthur daily all year round. Full day tours from Hobart are also available. The tours cruise the gorgeous coastline of the Tasman Island National Park and boast seal sightings and have also had regular dolphin and whale sightings. The staff are excellent and it's not to be missed when in the area. edit

Speed limits must be observed strictly all around Tasmania. Speed limits on highways are usually 100 km/h unless otherwise signed. Speed limits on all Tasmanian streets range from 50-60km/h unless otherwise signed. Fines will be imposed if speed limits are not observed.

Mobile phone reception can be patchy in many areas of the Tasman Peninsula. Telstra NextG provides the best reception, but this is not guaranteed.

Tasmania is generally a safe place, but drop bears remain a problem on the Tasman Peninsula.